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Monday, February 19, 2018

I Believe In Artists: Tracy Porter

Artist and Designer Tracy Porter

I'm thrilled to be sharing the work and wisdom of my art and design hero, Tracy Porter, here with you.It seems almost hard to believe now but there was a time when I didn't fully appreciate the value of my own creativity. A big catalyst for changing that was Tracy Porter's book, "Dreams From Home". The magical possibilities expressed in the words and images of that book convinced me that my creativity was a super power and that I shouldn't be afraid to use it to manifest the bolder, more beautiful life my soul craved. Since then, Tracy has continued to be a role model and guide for me on my creative journey through her books, product lines and her online presence.I just know this fabulous lady will inspire you as much as she inspires me. Enjoy!

"Willow" Art By Tracy Porter

Question: I know art speaks its own language but if you had to describe your work in only six words, what would they be?Tracy: Soulful. Colorful. Flirty. Modern. Bohemian. Authentic.

"Kiss" Art By Tracy Porter

Question: Who is your favorite artist (in any medium) and how do they inspire you?

Tracy: I think of art through the ages and how very inspired I am by it versus one artist or medium. I'm inspired by everything from naive art to Russian Constructivism. Baroque to tribal. French Cafe music to Led Zeppelin. And I read like crazy, so there's another layer of inspiration. And then travel...food...it's endless. I think my love for many things is why my style is ever evolving. My tastes and sensibilities run the gamut. I cannot stay for too long creating in one way, as I am inspired by such a range of imagery and words and music, etc.

"Rebel" Art By Tracy Porter

Question: What inspires you to create?

Tracy: I definitely have something I'm trying to quench when I create. I think it's a mix of feeling inspired combined with a need to feel productive. Plus it's how we make our living. I don't have to dig too deep to find inspiration as it's how I spend every day. I'm a big believer that creativity is like using a muscle. You have to keep using it to keep it strong. And for me creating comes in many forms: making a wonderful dinner for my family, painting, decorating, etc. So many things are creative if you are willing to see them that way. It's really just a point of view. I prefer to see pretty much everything as a creative endeavor, save taking out the garbage and other mundane activities.

"Justice" Art By Tracy Porter

Question: What is your favorite part of your creative processTracy:I love the discovery aspect of creating, and how you start one way, then follow it along as it becomes something else. And I love it when you create something that makes your heart skip! That is truly thrilling for me. It's not something that happens every time but I have learned it's something I have control over, making heart-skipping creations. I've learned when to keep going or when to add another layer, etc. It's very addictive once you find the feeling and are able to harness it over and over.Question: What is the most challenging part of your creative process and how do you meet that challenge?Tracy: For me the biggest challenge is that I want to try so many things. I want more than anything to explore like mad and have enough space and materials and time to do whatever I want, whenever I want. An endless budget along with no time restraints. Ohhh- what a fantasy! Not a complete reality but I sure do try!

"Stella" Art By Tracy Porter

Question: And finally, what does "believing in art" mean to you?Tracy:Believing in art to me means being open to a certain fearlessness in oneself. It means being willing to risk and be vulnerable. It's not just about creating, it's also about accepting. It's about exploring all the sides of who you are and what you feel about color and pattern and texture and space, etc. It's about believing in yourself, trusting your gut and letting go. Sort of a step outside your comfort zone kind of thing.